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Google Home and Home Mini Review!

Hey guys. This video took a little longer than expected because my graphic card failed and I had to get a replacement. Now that it’s done, I can finish up the Google Home review. Been using it for about 2 weeks, I have to say I’m pretty happy with the Google Home.

As of today, a new Google store is now available online in SG which is pretty awesome. Previously we had to resort to importers to get Google products but now it will be easier to get your hands on them.

Google Home and Home Mini box

Just last month, Google Home and Home Mini was released in SG, it’s pretty much similar to the Google Now on your mobile device. These 2 products are designed to fit in homes with voice activated speaker. With a simple ‘Okay Google’, you can get answers, turn up music, manage everyday activities and control compatible smart devices around your home.

The Google Home Mini has a pretty simple design, fabric top with rubber feet to keep it in place. As for connections, there is a micro USB port with a on/off mute button. At the top, there are 4 LED lights that show the volume and it lights up when you speak to it. There are also 2 sensors on the left and right that controls the volume, playback media and stop a ringing alarm or timer. If you wish to reset, press and hold on the circle at the bottom. Speaker wise, it’s pretty loud across the room but does lack some punch.

Google Home Mini sensors

As for Google Home, it’s a more futuristic design with a touch surface at the top, fabric on the bottom half and also rubber feet below. At the bottom is the power port, on the side is the Power status light and a mute button. Flanking the touch surface is 2 microphones. It’s pretty simple to control the touch surface, swiping around controls the volume and tapping in the middle controls the media and also stop alarm and timer. Apart from using the voice you can also press and hold on the top to start your requests. To factory reset it, press and hold on the mute button. I like the sound from the Google Home more than the Home Mini. You can also set the volume using your voice.

Google Home touch surface

It’s pretty simple to set up, plug in the power, download Google Home, and follow the steps. It didn’t take long for it to be up and running. You can set calendar events that syncs to your Calendar app. Setting a timer. Checking weather. Checking traffic conditions to a location.

Google Home and Home Mini calender app

You can also play music like Spotify and even stream music using multiple Speakers in the same WiFi network. With Google ChromeCast, you can turn your TV into a smart TV. You can cast or ask Google Home to play Netflix or search for YouTube on your big TV.

Google Home and Home Mini to chromecast

The ability to integrate with other smart devices like Philips Hue lights and TP Link device improves quality of life. Simply using your voice to control lights and electronics are like a dream come true. With more brands like Xiaomi adding more products that is compatible with Google Home, we consumers will have more to choose from. So far it’s been lots of fun playing around with Google Home and I highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of giving it a try. There will definitely be more updates on both Google Assistant and future products, and I think it’s a good investment to make our home a smart one.